Junior Mint Brownies

These Junior Mint Brownies will be the best thing you see all day! I mean who doesn’t love a good brownie recipe, especially one that’s loaded with cool, refreshing, minty chocolate. It’s a mashup that is sure to bring up some nostalgia.

 

Junior mints are my favorite movie theater candy. They have been since I was little. I was an absolute fiend for them. A cool, meltingly refreshing inside with a perfect chocolate coating. You can’t beat them.

Brownies were First Thought to be Cake…

Brownies first came onto the scene in the late 1880s. A person named Fanny Farmer was the first to include them in a cookbook and oddly enough it wasn’t a brownie recipe, it was blondies.

When it comes to classification, there is much debate about whether a brownie is a cake or a cookie. Let it be known here that they are technically called a bar “cookie.” And yes, this does include both the cakey and fudgy versions.

Junior Mint Brownies are more of a cakey brownie than a fudgy brownie and they have just a hint of cool mint. Think of it as a subtle mint chocolate chip ice cream in brownie form.

And yes, you can eat these plain and simple on their own, but just imagine how good they would be as the base of a brownie sundae or blitzed into a milkshake.

Break out the fudge sauce, the whipped cream, and the cherries. It’s brownie time! If you are feeling really bold, you could even churn up some homemade vanilla bean ice cream. Trust me, it’s much easier than you think!

Why You’ll Love These Junior Mint Brownies

Fudgy brownies topped with a layer of junior mints for the most delectable dessert full of mint flavors- what’s not to love!

• Minty twist on a classic – If you like mint chocolate chip ice cream, you are going to love these cakey brownies with creamy mint.
• Homemade – Although I love a good box mix in a pinch, sometimes you just can’t beat good old homemade brownies.
• Easy recipe – Even though they’re homemade, these brownies are actually super way to make and sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Ingredients

This ingredient list is made up mostly of pantry ingredients. Anything you don’t have on hand can easily be found at the local grocery store.

• Junior Mints – This is the (not so) secret ingredient to these brownies. The small-size mints that are coated in pure chocolate. A box of junior mints can be found down the candy aisle.
• Unsalted butter – If you use salted, omit additional butter. Too much salt in baking can dry out the finished product.
• All purpose flour – Provides structure and loft. We have not tested this recipe with flour alternatives. If you have, please leave a note in the comments. There is no reason why it shouldn’t work with GF flours that use a 1:1 ratio. 
• Baking soda – This acts as the leavening agent for the brownies. It helps them to rise and get fluffy. 
• Coarse Kosher salt – Salt brings out natural occurring flavors and balances sweetness. 
• Unsweetened cocoa powder – You’ll want to use natural cocoa powder for these brownies. Avoid using Dutch process since the recipe has baking soda. 
• Sugar – Since the chocolate is unsweetened, sugar is used to make them into the dessert we all know and love.
• Eggs – Provides structure and contributes to the texture. We always assume you are using large eggs. Even using an extra large egg in a recipe such a brownies can result in a different texture.
• Vanilla extract – The most common of flavorings to balance out the flavors. Almond extract can also be used. Use a good quality and not imitation or clear vanilla.

How to Make Junior Mint Brownies

You are going to love how easy it is to make this quick junior mint brownies recipe.

1. Prepare oven and pan. Preheat the oven and line an 8×8 metal baking pan with parchment paper and cooking spray.
2. Whisk dry ingredients. In a large bowl, sift or whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt and cocoa. Set aside.
3. Melt junior mints. Set aside 20 junior mints in a small bowl. Put the rest of the Junior Mints in a medium microwave-safe mixing bowl with the butter. Heat in the microwave for 30 seconds. Stir together.
4. Wet ingredients. In a large mixing bowl with an electric hand mixer, blend the melted butter/Junior Mint mixture, sugar, eggs and vanilla. Gradually add the dry ingredients, being careful to not overmix.
5. Pour brownie batter into pan and bake. Pour batter into the prepared pan. Bake until it passes “the toothpick” test where a wooden pick comes out clean. Turn off the oven.
6. Add second layer of mint goodness. Remove from the oven and using your fingers, press the Junior Mint candies to break them and scatter in a single layer on top of the hot brownies, doing this as evenly as you can. 
7. Allow to cool before cutting. Remove and allow to cool before cutting into squares with a hot, clean knife.

Junior Mint Brownies Variations

There are plenty of ways for you to make these junior mint brownies your own!

• Use another favorite candy instead of junior mints
• Top with dark chocolate chunks
• Fold in 1 cup chocolate chips or white chocolate chips
• Stir in 1/2 cup chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans.
• Top with candied nuts after baking.

Tips for the Best Brownies

Follow these tips to ensure you make the world’s best fudge brownie every time!

1. Use good quality ingredients. Good food comes from good quality. Don’t skimp on the butter, baker’s chocolate or vanilla here.
2. Cream It Well– Most bakers don’t actually cream ingredients well. Creaming should take 3-4 minutes and make for a nearly smooth texture. Make sure you take the time to do this with your eggs and sugar.
3. Sift– Sifting is another step commonly avoided. Sifting allows all of the ingredients (particularly salt and the leaveners) to evenly distribute within the batter so you don’t have any weird pockets and they bake evenly.
4. Don’t Over bake– Take the brownies right before you think they are done, not after. You’ll get the fudgy center you are looking for.

Storage and Freezing

Storage: Brownies are best stored at room temperature in an airtight container. Like most baked goods, they are best within 2-3 days.

Freezing: Also, did you know you can freeze brownies? MIND BLOWN, I know! Yep, slice them and put them in individual airtight bag and there you go” brownies on demand.

More Homemade Brownies

• S’more Brownies
• Dry Homemade Brownie Mix
• Black Bean Brownies